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DescriptionI am still learning about Fortunino Matania. An Italian who worked in his father’s studio, an émigré to London just after the beginning of the 20th century, he is most known for his magazine illustrations depicting scenes from World War I. After the war, Matania turned his attention to classical and historical themes, some of these depictions extending as far West as to the American Frontier.When I first saw this Matania depiction of DaVinci trying to get the Mona Lisa to smile, I cracked up. I showed it to some co-workers, and they cracked up. Then some students and they, too, cracked up. I love how much fun Matania had with his depiction of DaVinci trying to get the Mona Lisa to smile. Such an unusual subject for him! I have Tom Benham to thank for both of these Matanias. Not only was Tom generous and kind, but he also provided me with an article on – and a short film of – Matania at work. A true collector and appreciator of beautiful art, Tom has helped me to hang a little more beauty on the walls of my home. I am most grateful to him. If Matania interests you, be sure to check out the long overdue book on him, Drawing from History, which should be available this summer. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Ken Z
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/25/2016
This is an Amazing piece of art and also a very entertaining possibility of how she may have gotten that smile.
Jeff Singh 
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/26/2016
Matania was a fantastic artist. The theme of this piece is really fun and adds that much more to the artwork. Certainly worthy of a frame and wall space.
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 4/26/2016
Two-for-two on stunning pieces by this artist, Mark. I would expect nothing less from you!
Michael Kenyon
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 2/4/2017
Great subject matter handled skillfully by an amazingly talented artist.
Yoann B.
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 5/1/2017
One of the funniest Matania piece I've ever seen, really nice.
Tommy Kohlmaier
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 12/21/2017
Great composition and beautiful pencils, but Mona is a little ugly :)
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 3/29/2018
What a fun and gorgeous work of art! Hope to see more of Matania on CAF --- thanks for posting!
George Hagenauer
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/30/2019
A neat really different example of Matania
Tony Brischler
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 6/15/2021
These are wonderful Matania pieces in your gallery, Mark! I don't remember if this was reprinted in his Drawing from History book - I'll have to check. What's the size of this work?
Mark Howland
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 6/15/2021
Tony Brischler wrote:
These are wonderful Matania pieces in your gallery, Mark! I don't remember if this was reprinted in his Drawing from History book - I'll have to check. What's the size of this work?
Hi, Tony,
The Mona is on a 14.5x10 board; the image area is 10x9. The Matania in my for sale gallery is LARGE if interested. Thanks for the comment and question.
Mark
Mark Levy
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 12/18/2023
Happy to say we now have another artist in common!
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